Neck tensioning device



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United States Patent 3,457,914 NECK TENSIONING DEVICE Joy Kenneth Donaidson, 101 W. 24th St., Little Rock, Ark. 72206 Filed Aug. 2, I966, Ser. No. 569,756 Int. Cl. Afilf /37 US. Cl. 128-76 7 laims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A cosmetic device mountable about the neck of a user for tensioning the skin and muscles so as to both temporarily restrain and lift sagging portions of the chin and neck, and provide a resistance against which the neck muscles can be effectively exercised for a strengthening thereof. The device includes a slightly flexible rigid member having specific curvatures therein so as to conform to the trachea and adjoining muscles in the neck area and apply, through a series of pressure points, lateral pressure in the neck area, the member including relieved portions in conjunction with the pressure points so as to span various portions of the neck wherein undue pressure should be avoided.

An important object of the device of this invention is to feature curvatures and shapes in its construction which spread and/or give physiologic tone to certain cervical muscles in the human neck and at the same time press overlying skin of the neck inward and retain it backward and sometimes downward in such manner as to decrease the laxity of skin and subcutaneous tissues beneath the chin and in the neck and thereby to reduce or correct unsightly dependency of skin beneath the chin and unsightly wrinkling of skin in the neck, while the device is being worn.

Another object of the invention is to enable individuals, by usage of the device associated with exercises of the cervical and some facial muscles, to decrease wrinkling of the neck and/or redundancy of the chin which is already present, or to prevent, or decrease the extent to which such would otherwise occur, as it so often begins to occur, for example, in middle age and/ or in the obese individual who intentionally loses Weight as in dieting.

The foregoing objects together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein the numerals refer to the parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective View from inferiorly (below), upward of what may be termed the basic model of the device.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective lateral slightly oblique view of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a semi-lateral (oblique), perspective view of a modification of the device of this invention which modification retains the basic principles of the invention and of the basic model illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view from inferiorly (below), upward of still another modification of the basic model of the invention and which retains original basic principles of the device illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective lateral view of dependency and redundancy of skin beneath the human chin.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective lateral view illustrating the reduction of dependency and redundancy of skin illustrated in FIGURE 5, after application of the device illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 7 is an anterior-oblique perspective view beneath the skin, of trachea and superficial muscles of the neck. The device, illustrated in FIGURE 1, has been superimposed in this FIGURE 7 in order that in the detailed description of the drawings, the principles of functioning of the invention could be explained more clearly. It is to be understood, of course, that the device in usage is applied and worn over the intact skin.

FIGURE 8 is an anterior view showing strands of simulated pearls attached to the device of FIGURE 1 to camouflage the device as the latter is being worn on the neck.

FIGURE 9 is a perspective posterior-oblique, threefourths view of superficial muscles of the neck beneath the skin with the device of FIGURE 1 superimposed.

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged lateral sectional view pertaining to FIGURE 8 showing a structural piece by which strands of jewelry as those illustrated in FIGURE 8, may be attached to the device of this invention.

FIGURE 11 is an anterior slightly oblique view of FIGURE 10 illustrating a section of jewelry strung through the structural piece of FIGURE 10 and attached to the device of this invention as illustrated in FIGURE 8.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it should be understood that any and all of the models of the devices may be made in diiferent sizes and out of different materials now available, as metallic and some plastic materials of different colors or designs; or possibly with other materials which may become available in the future, as long as such materials are smooth or can he made sufficiently smooth to not irritate the skin of the neck, can be adjusted in shape to special needs of a particular individual by feasible methods, and yet retain after adjustment, sufiicient springy firmness of pressure to retain lax skin in position or positions to which such skin has been adjusted as described hereinafter, without harmful or painful pressure to the skin or underlying tissues. The device as illustrated in the drawings submitted with this petition as part of the petition, is made of 13 gauge metallic material called by steel manufacturers, mild steel wire." This material can be plated with brass, chrome, silver, gold and some other substances, to give different colorings and possibly some added smoothness to the device. Plastic materials, rubber or other coatings or padding can be placed over the mild steel wire of the device illustrated. This is not generally necessary or indicated, however, though allergic reactions by an individual to metallic materials could make it advisable, though the amount of pressure created by the device, when it is properly fitted with or without jewelry attached is not usually sufficient to necessitate such coating or padding.

I obviously is a curvature of the device. It fits over the trachea, 38, as, for example, in FIGURE 7. 2 and 3 press snugly inward on the right and left sides of the trachea respectively and thereby take up some laxity of skin by pushing the latter inward. 6 and 7 also form pres sure means while 4 and 5 are outwardly relieved to span the muscles to each side of the trachea. The curves 2. and 3 especially spread the mesial branch of origin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle on each side of the neck lateralward, thereby smoothing the skin of the neck as, for example, a spreading force properly applied to a lax piece of wrinkled cloth will decrease or obliterate the wrinkling of the cloth. At the same time, 2 and 3 will reduce unsightly dependency of skin beneath the chin as illustrated at 35 in FIGURE 6 as compared to 35 in FIGURE 5. Note in connection with the statement just made that the dotted line 47 in FIGURE 6 extending from the point of the chin 46, to 10, is relatively horizontal. The arrows 36 indicate the usual principal direction in which lax skin is adjusted beneath the device While the latter is being worn as further described hereinafter; and too, in connection with FIGURE 6 in particular, the inventor of this device believes that a so-called face-lifting surgical operation is the only other means which can as effectively correct or alleviate, to extent which the device of this invention does, unsightly redundancy and dependency of skin beneath the human chin and/or unsightly wrinkling of the skin in the neck, while the device is being worn.

In particular reference again to FIGURE 6 it should be explained that a basic principle of face-lifting surgical operations which are performed by plastic surgeons is that of making an incision behind the ears above the hairline and elsewhere where obviousness of surgical scars will be minimized. The lax redundant skin is pulled upward through and in conjunction with the incisions in the direction indicated by the arrows 57, FIGURE 6, then the excision of excessive skin and the suturing of the skin and subcutaneous tissues at the site of the incisions to hold the skin and subcutaneous tissues in a backward and elevated position is effected. (For the possible convenience of the Examiner reference to two textbooks, Hunt, and Berson are given at the end of this petition.)

When successfully performed the face-lifting operations are temporarily corrective or alleviative. However, with the passing of time, the redundance, dependency and wrinkling, for which the operation was originally performed, reoccur.

The arrows 36 in FIGURES and 6 indicate the general usual principal direction in which an excess of lax skin beneath the chin or in the neck is to be adjusted and retained beneath the device of this invention by pressure from and 11 or 24 and 25, providing the laxity and redundancy of skin is so marked that the curvatures and structure of the device anterior to It) and 11 or to 24 and will not sufficiently correct or alleviate the redundancy and dependency.

Obviously the direction of adjustment indicated by arrows 36, is not exactly in the same direction as indicated by arrows 57, FIGURE 6. Nevertheless the effectiveness of the device is achieved in accordance with its objects and claims. The adjusted redundant and lax skin is retained to a worthwhile extent, While the device is being worn, by 10 on the right side, by 11 on the left at the sites illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 9. In FIGURE 6, redundant skin is illustrated as being retained in posterior position by 10. Curvatures 10 and 11, or 24 and 25 if model of FIGURE 4 is used, all fit just anteriorly to the anterior edge of the trapezius muscle as at 59 illustrated regarding the left trapezius muscle 41, FIGURES 7 and 9.

The arrows 37 in FIGURES 5 and 6 indicate the downward direction in which at times the laxity of skin will be adjusted to advantage in accordance with the objects of the device.

It is to be understood that in individuals in which redundancy beneath the chin and laxity of the skin in general in the neck is quite marked, adjustment in manners explained in the foregoing may be necessary from time to time if maximum effectiveness of objects of the device is to be attained and retained.

One using the device has no difficulty in adjusting the lax skin beneath the structure of the device without loosening the latter from the position in which he or she customarily wears it.

8 and 9 are termed the wings of the device in all illustrated models. These wings should sweep or curve generally lateralward and then inward as they extend to posteriorly on the neck, to the extent lateralward that they will not cause unduly-constricting pressure On and congestion of, the external jugular veins nor of other tissues in the neck.

Curvatures 10 and 11 of the device could be of other shapes such as square, oblong or rectangular providing that they have sufficient dimension and character of shape so that they will not impinge upon the skin in an irritating manner. They may or may not necessarily have an opening as illustrated at sites 12 and 13 in FIGURE 2 through which openings one may more easily fit loops as of strap 14 of FIGURE 2, or othe materials, into the loops of 10 and 11.

It is important that the very ends, 12 and 13 of 10 and 11 of FIGURE 1, be rotated slightly lateralward to the level of the wings 8 and 9 in order that these ends 12 and 13 do not impinge upon the skin of the neck and thereby possibly cause irritation of the skin.

FIGURE 8, 44, indicates one type of jewelry, two strings of pearls or simulated pearls, which are attached to the device of this invention, to camouflage it.

Other designs of jewelry than that illustrated in FIG- URE 8 may be used and adjusted to the different models of the device which is the subject of this invention.

14- of FIGURES 9 and 1 illustrates in simple manner the general method by which the models of the device illustrated in FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 3 may be secured behind the neck by using an adjustable strap of leather, elastic, plastic material or of other materials. Also particularly for cosmetic camouflage purposes in women, adjustable fasteners which ordinarily are present at the ends of ordinary necklaces, such as the necklace illustrated in FIGURE 8, may be used effectively as 14.

FIGURE 9 illustrates a three-fourths posterior view of superficial muscles on the left side of the neck. '43 indicates the body of the left sternocleidomastoid muscle, 41 the cervical portion of the left trapezius muscle against which the left end 11, or curvature 24 if model of FIG- URE 4 is used, is fitted. 14 illustrates in simple manner an adjustable strap, and 11, the left end of the device of this invention as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 3.

51 of FIGURE 10, which is a perspective lateral view of 51 of FIGURE 11, is a thin rigid or semi-rigid structural piece made of metal or other material, which may be used in assembling or attaching strands of jewelry to the device of this invention. For example, the jewelry 44 in FIGURE 8 is illustrated as having been attached by utilizing seventeen of the structural pieces of 51, the pigces 51 being spaced approximately equally from each 0t er.

When jewelry 44 and similar jewelry is used with 51, a method of usage is explained in conjunction with FIG URES 10 and 11. FIGURE 11 is an enlarged anterior, slightly oblique perspective sectional view of between 48, 48 and 49, 49 of FIGURE 8. The assembling and/or stringing of jewelry, as 44 in FIGURE 8, is accomplished by passing its wires 54 and 60, respectively, as illustrated in FIGURE 11, through the openings 52 and 61 respectively, of structure 51. 53 in FIGURES 10 and 11 is the opening through which the trunk 50 of the device of this invention, in all of its models illustrated in this petition, can be passed.

The structural piece, 51, as it is used in the manner heretofore described, is not as conspicuous as is illustrated in FIGURE 8. The conspicuousness of it in FIG- URE 8 is for purposes of illustration.

The shape of 51 as illustrated in lateral view, FIGURE 10, including its openings 52, 53, and 61, is so arranged and constructed as to minimize the rotation of strands of jewelry, such as 44 in FIGURE 8, upon the trunks of the models illustrated in this petition.

FIGURE 3 is a lateral-superior view of a modification of the basic device illustrated in FIGURE 1. The modification of FIGURE 3 retains the basic principles of the basic model of FIGURE 1. The model of FIGURE 3, as well as the model of FIGURE 4 may have some advantage in some individuals over that of the basic model of the device as illustrated in FIGURE 1 in that some designs of jewelry that could not be readily attached to the model illustrated in FIGURE 1 may be attached to the models illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4. Presumably an additional advantage at times regarding a particular individual might be obtained by the model of FIGURE 3, as the details of this model are now discussed. 10 and 11 are synonomous with the ends of the device, 10 and 11, as illustrated in FIGURE 1 and other figures, and are fitted to the same sites on the neck as and 11 of FIG- URE 1, these sites being just anteriorly to the anterior margin of the trapezius muscles on each side of the neck. 8 and 9 are the wings of this model as they are of the other models illustrated in this petition. Curvatures 6 and 7 are synonymous in their function with the curves of the same numbers of FIGURES 1 and 4. The curvatures 4 and 5 in the model of this FIGURE 3 are synonymous in their function with the curvatures of the same numbers illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 4 and elsewhere.

Curves 17 and 18 in this model illustrated in FIGURE 3 have the same function as curves 2 and 3 illustrated in FIGURE 1 as has been discussed in the foregoing regarding the curvatures 2 and 3 as in FIGURE 1. These curvatures 17 and 18 in FIGURE 3 are fitted against the anterior margins of the mesial branches of oiigin of the sternocleidomastoid muscles on each side of the neck at sites illustrated regarding curvatures 2 and 3 of FIG- URES 1 and 7, for example. These curvatures 17 and 18 are to press inward and thereby take up some laxity of skin; and the body or trunk of each curvature 17 and 18 also swings somewhat obliquely outward from below upward. The function of these curvatures 17 and 18 then, is to press the skin inward and also to spread the sternocleidomastoid muscles lateralward in the general manner which has been discussed in the foregoing regarding curvatures 2 and 3.

Curvature 23 as in the illustration of FIGURE 3 swings obliquely posteriorly from the curvatures 17 and 18. This curvature, 23, is to fit fairly snugly into what is anatomically called the suprasternal notch which term indicates the depression in the lower anterior part of the neck which depression is just superior to the breastbone (sternum). The curvature 23 may assist in retaining lax skin which is adjusted downward in direction indicated by the arrows 37 in FIGURES 5 and 6. 14 is a simple illustration of one or another type of attachment which is described in reference to other figures as FIGURE 1. illustrates that sometimes a strap of elastic, leather, or adjustable jewelry or other materials may be utilized to advantage in the same general manner as 14, to supplement holding power of 14 and to hold curvature 23 more snugly against the skin in the suprasternal notch.

FIGURE 4 is a superior view of a modification of the basic device of FIGURE 1. This modification illustrated in FIGURE 4 retains basic features of the basic model illustrated in FIGURE 1. This model in FIGURE 4 is not generally as often effectively applicable to individuals as models illustrated in FIGURES l and 3 though at times some of the features of model of FIGURE 4 may make it more desirable in a particular individual.

In this model of FIGURE 4, 33 is a part of, is a direct continuation of the more anterior part of the trunk of the device, and is not adjustable as is 14 illustrated in other models. 32 illustrates an adjustable structure or strand which is attached to ends 31 and 30 of the device of FIGURE 4, anteriorly on the neck instead of posteriorly as is 14 in other models which are submitted as part of this petition. This anterior adjustable piece, 32, is usually advisable if this model, FIGURE 4, is to be maximumly elfective, though inherent firmness and springiness of model of FIGURE 4 might sometimes make 32 unnecessary. 59 illustrates a hinge which might sometimes possibly be necessary to enable the wearer to spread ends 31 and 30 lateralward sufficiently to apply the device to the neck.

24 and 25 are functionally synonymous with ends 10 and 11 of FIGURES l and 3 and other figures. 24 and 25, as ends of 10 and 11 illustrated in other figures, are to fit anteriorly to the anterior margins of the trapezius muscles of the neck. 8 and 9 are synonymous in their function and design with the curvatures described and illustrated elsewhere in this petition as wings of the device of this invention. 6 and 7 are functionally and otherwise synonymous with like numbered curvatures wherever illustrated in figures elsewhere. 30 and 31 are similar in design to the ends 10 and 11 of FIGURES 1 and 3. These ends, 30 and 31, however, are to be placed anteriorly on the neck instead of posteriorly as are 10 and 11. 30 and 31 are curved mesially and posteriorly in such manner as to press the skin backward and retract it posteriorly and to some extent press lateralward the anterior margins of the mesial branches of origin of the sternocleidomastoic muscles, thus to accomplish as best possible the function of curvatures 2 and 3 which have been illustrated regarding other models of the device as in FIGURES 1, 3, and 7.

It is to be understood that 30 and 31 may be made in somewhat different shape as has been explained elsewhere regarding 10 and 11 of the models of FIGURES 1 and 3.

In describing the manner in which usage of the device of this invention may permanently correct or decrease laxity and wrinkling of the neck and redundancy and dependency of the skin beneath the chin, or prevent or decrease the extent to which such laxity and dependency would otherwise occur, as it often does begin to occur, for example, in middle-aged individuals or in the obese individual who intentionally loses weight in dieting, refer especially to FIGURES 7 and 3 as explanation is presented as immediately follows:

It has long been known in medical and related professional circles and others, that proper exercise of many muscles of the body against a resisting force strengthens the body and physiologic tone of the muscles. Weight lifters and boxers are examples of individuals who effect such a principle of exercise in their training. Physicians often recommend such principles of exercise in correcting inadequate musculature of parts of the body. Beauticians and others recommend certain exercises of facial and cervical muscles at times, claiming that such exercise may decrease or prevent wrinkling of the skin of the neck and redundancy and dependency of skin beneath the chin.

An individual, by observing hi image in the mirror, can see the manner in which musculature and skin of the neck is spread lateralward on each side of the neck when he closes his teeth together and with lips open, draws the corners of his mouth forcibly and quickly backward in even manner, as if he were simulating an exaggerated smile. One effecting this exercise while applying palmar surfaces of the ends of the index and middle fingers of one hand, one on each side of the neck, against the skin and anterior margins of both sternocleidomastoid muscles at sites illustrated on one side by curvatures 3 and 2 in FIGURE 7, can observe and feel the increased tenseness and tone of the sternocleidomastoid musculature as the exercise just described in the foregoing is effected.

In further explanation note that curvatures 3, 2, 6 and 7 illustrated in the models of FIGURES 1 and 3 fit, as illustrated for model of FIGURE 1 in FIGURE 7, against the anterior aspect of the mesial branches of origin as well as against the anterior aspects of the lateral branches of origin of the sternocleidomastoid muscles on each side of the neck and thereby, when properly adjusted and fitted create resistant force against both the mesial and lateral branches of origin of each sternocleidomastoid muscle.

The inventor of the device of this petition believes that exercise of the cervical and facial muscles by drawing the corners of the mouth repeatedly and several times daily forcibly and quickly backward with the device in place as illustrated, for example, in FIGURE 7, in such manner as to effect the exercise described in the foregoing, may build up the body and physiologic tone of the sternocleidomastoid muscles, of some of the deeper cervical musculature as well as some of the muscles of the face thereby accomplishing an object of the device which object has been presented in the foregoing and also hereinafter.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative of the principles of the invention. Further since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the arts related to the invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation described, and accordingly all suitable modification and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A cosmetic device mountable about the neck of a user in a skin and muscle tensioning manner, said device comprising an elongated shape sustaining one-piece member of an over-all configuration generally conforming to the neck of a user, said member including a forward portion having a pair of laterally spaced rearwardly oflset and rearwardly directed pressure points, a relieved central section defined between the pressure points for the reception of the trachea of a user with the pair of pressure points engageable with the adjacent muscles for exerting a spreading pressure thereon in conjunction with an inward pressure on the skin and an outwardly relieved muscle overlying portion laterally to the side of each pressure point to the opposite side thereof from the relieved central section.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said member extends generally rearward from each relieved muscle overlying portion to a pair of opposed laterally directed rear pressure points engageable with the neck of a user at the rear sides thereof.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said member, rearward of each relieved muscle overlying portion, curves laterally outward to provide a generally relieved portion forward of the rear pressure points.

4. The device of claim 3 including means for retaining said member on the neck of a user comprising flexible means engaged between the rear pressure points.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein the relieved central section between the first mentioned pair of pressure points is defined by a discontinuation of the member between these pressure points.

6. The device of claim 3 wherein the relieved central section between the first mentioned pair of pressure points is defined by a forwardly directed downwardly offset portion.

7. The device of claim 3 wherein said member is in the nature of a rod, decorative means lying along the length of said rod, and mounting means mounting said decorative means on said rod in a rod hiding manner, said mounting means comprising a series of small fiat plates orientated at longitudinally spaced points along said rod, each plate having one aperture therethrough receiving said rod, and at least one additional aperture therethrough laterally spaced from the first aperture and receiving the decorative means therethrough.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,688,324 9/1954 McCarthy 12876 3,245,404 4/1966 Ritzcovan 128-76 FOREIGN PATENTS 85,434 9/ 1921 Austria. 23 8,829 8/1925 Great Britain. 292,094 5/ 1916 Germany.

LAWRENCE W. TRAPP, Primary Examiner 

